Natural Childbirth??

Has anyone heard anything about natural childbirth vs. using medicine (epidural, or other drugs?) I'm kind of afraid of natural childbirth but don't want something as numbing as an epidural. Has anyone considered these options. Or if you are already a mom, what did you do? Would you do it again? Thanks!

Has anyone heard anything about natural childbirth vs. using medicine (epidural, or other drugs?) I'm kind of afraid of natural childbirth but don't want something as numbing as an epidural. Has anyone considered these options. Or if you are already a mom, what did you do? Would you do it again? Thanks!

I do plan on doing it naturally, although once I get in there if the pains too much, im not completely against an epideral. I just want to be able to experience everyhing about my child birth, and there are plenty of classes you can take to prepare for that. My birth partner knows my plan and that if I want an epideral to hold off towards the end of the window in hopes I can work threw the pain as it progresses.

I do plan on doing it naturally, although once I get in there if the pains too much, im not completely against an epideral. I just want to be able to experience everyhing about my child birth, and there are plenty of classes you can take to prepare for that. My birth partner knows my plan and that if I want an epideral to hold off towards the end of the window in hopes I can work threw the pain as it progresses.

I think every mom should do what they are comfortable with. But I also think you should keep an open mind where pain control is concerned. For me personally, the epidural was right. It enabled me to be present for my daughters' births & not in a fog of pain. For those who do it naturally- more power to ya. For those who go the epidural route- I hear ya.

I think every mom should do what they are comfortable with. But I also think you should keep an open mind where pain control is concerned. For me personally, the epidural was right. It enabled me to be present for my daughters' births & not in a fog of pain. For those who do it naturally- more power to ya. For those who go the epidural route- I hear ya.

I am using a midwife and they don't do epidurals. She has assured me that with birthing classes, perenial (sp?) massage and the ability to move throughout and be in a tub during labor makes the pain much more manageable. I'm not scared in the least. My mom did it all natural 3 times, a lot of my friends have used this midwife and did it all natural as well. I don't like that an epidural can 1) slow your labor and 2) prevent you from walking after you have it. Women have done this for a looong time without drugs and I promise that you can too. I think the decision to use delivery drugs is a personal opinion and I know that many women would rather not have the pain but I want the FULL experience. If I just went 9 months without caffene, Tylenol and fish, why would I want to pump my body with numbing drugs and petocin during the culmination of all that hard work?

I am using a midwife and they don't do epidurals. She has assured me that with birthing classes, perenial (sp?) massage and the ability to move throughout and be in a tub during labor makes the pain much more manageable. I'm not scared in the least. My mom did it all natural 3 times, a lot of my friends have used this midwife and did it all natural as well. I don't like that an epidural can 1) slow your labor and 2) prevent you from walking after you have it. Women have done this for a looong time without drugs and I promise that you can too. I think the decision to use delivery drugs is a personal opinion and I know that many women would rather not have the pain but I want the FULL experience. If I just went 9 months without caffene, Tylenol and fish, why would I want to pump my body with numbing drugs and petocin during the culmination of all that hard work?

I had my two children naturally. I plan to go natural again this time. For me that was what I felt most comfortable with. Sure, it was more painful, but the pain went away right after the birth and it was worth it to me. Everyone is different in how they handle pain, so keep your options open, and go with how you feel.

I had my two children naturally. I plan to go natural again this time. For me that was what I felt most comfortable with. Sure, it was more painful, but the pain went away right after the birth and it was worth it to me. Everyone is different in how they handle pain, so keep your options open, and go with how you feel.

I was pregnant with my first child at 21. The idea of getting an epidural was out of the question for me. I just didn't want to go that route..I had no real knowledge about the risks or benefits or no real plan to do it naturally..I just thought, I'll do it naturally. I also didn't want to take any narcotics. I thought surely if I took them during labor, so was my baby. Again I had no real knowledge of the risks and benefits.

I say all this to because I was young and naive, but what I had on my side is true determination. I went into labor, labored at home forever, went to the hospital and when they checked me I was 8cm. I escaped getting any drugs quite frankly because I stayed home so long.

Now that I am 35, pregnant with 4th, I've had 2 other pain-medication free births and I've be able to have those through education, faith, and determination. The education I believe helps to understand what about your birth is normal, disspell myths and fears, and it does help you weigh the risks and benefits of your options. It also helps you have tools you can use to reach your birth vision and goals. People are quick to say have an open mind, but I believe with a good Childbirth Education series, you mind will be opened. You will learn that there are times with intervention may become necessary and understanding that will help you make better decisions based on the situation not fear.

I say the best thing you can do is read up about natural birth. Take a good class (not a hospital sponsored one, but one with an independent childbirth educator) and think really hard about what your birth vision is, how you feel you can achieve it, and why it is that is what you want. I think those things matter most, not what I've done, or what any other woman has done.

I also recommend if after some reflection natural birth is a route you want to take, that you consider hiring a doula. Doula's help women tremendously in this capacity. However I would even recommend hiring a doula if you opt for an epidural because they are still useful in that scenario.

I was pregnant with my first child at 21. The idea of getting an epidural was out of the question for me. I just didn't want to go that route..I had no real knowledge about the risks or benefits or no real plan to do it naturally..I just thought, I'll do it naturally. I also didn't want to take any narcotics. I thought surely if I took them during labor, so was my baby. Again I had no real knowledge of the risks and benefits.

I say all this to because I was young and naive, but what I had on my side is true determination. I went into labor, labored at home forever, went to the hospital and when they checked me I was 8cm. I escaped getting any drugs quite frankly because I stayed home so long.

Now that I am 35, pregnant with 4th, I've had 2 other pain-medication free births and I've be able to have those through education, faith, and determination. The education I believe helps to understand what about your birth is normal, disspell myths and fears, and it does help you weigh the risks and benefits of your options. It also helps you have tools you can use to reach your birth vision and goals. People are quick to say have an open mind, but I believe with a good Childbirth Education series, you mind will be opened. You will learn that there are times with intervention may become necessary and understanding that will help you make better decisions based on the situation not fear.

I say the best thing you can do is read up about natural birth. Take a good class (not a hospital sponsored one, but one with an independent childbirth educator) and think really hard about what your birth vision is, how you feel you can achieve it, and why it is that is what you want. I think those things matter most, not what I've done, or what any other woman has done.

I also recommend if after some reflection natural birth is a route you want to take, that you consider hiring a doula. Doula's help women tremendously in this capacity. However I would even recommend hiring a doula if you opt for an epidural because they are still useful in that scenario.

I had an epidural with my daughter and I think it slowed my labor down. I didn't start pushing for another 6 hours after i got it. By the time I had to start pushing I was in a lot of pain again. Since I was in so much pain even with an epidural this time I am going to have a natural childbirth. I am using the midwife in my obs practice. I'm hoping it will be quicker (my first lasted 27 hours) and I will be able to move around.

I did love the feeling when I got the epidural. Wow, it was amazing! If it hadn't worn off I would be getting it again. I think keeping an open mind is the most important thing because you can plan all you want but every baby is going to do what it wants.

I had an epidural with my daughter and I think it slowed my labor down. I didn't start pushing for another 6 hours after i got it. By the time I had to start pushing I was in a lot of pain again. Since I was in so much pain even with an epidural this time I am going to have a natural childbirth. I am using the midwife in my obs practice. I'm hoping it will be quicker (my first lasted 27 hours) and I will be able to move around.

I did love the feeling when I got the epidural. Wow, it was amazing! If it hadn't worn off I would be getting it again. I think keeping an open mind is the most important thing because you can plan all you want but every baby is going to do what it wants.

I'm there with ya. I'm definitely going to do it natural. I know I'm a damn tough broad, and I can do it ifr anyone can! I'm one of seven children all born naturally from the same mother. Of course she went through a lot of pain with us. Of course the seven episiotomies she's had make her cringe when she thinks back on them. She did it all without epidurals, though. She definitely wasn't against getting gorped out, afterward, but at least she felt and experienced the actual labor.

Now, my mother was not into any cam, which I definitely am. I am researching water births and might be moving to an amazing area, soon, that actually offers water birthing in their hospitals. Colorado is much more progressive than South Carolina. I can't wait! I've heard that water birthing is THE way to do a natural, drug free birth. I've watched videos of women delivering their babies completely unassisted in water birth! Amazing. I won't be going that far, but I do want to be allowed to explore complementary and alternative services for my labor and delivery.

If you live somewhere that allows waterbirth, do look into it. I know where I'm moving, near Boulder Colorado, is going to be a great place for such a choice. =)

Don't be scared. This is my first child, too, but I'm expecting the pain. I don't want it dulled so that I can't fully experience my baby's arrival. Your body naturally exudes temporary painkillers when and where you need it. I am just going to try to keep myself fit and healthy s that there are no complications in my birth and I can choose the delivery style I feel is best. I'm so excited about labor. I'm not scared because I've accepted I will be in pain. I hear that by the point it feels unbearable it's about to be over, anyway!

{sigh}I can't wait to bring my little one out to be loved in this world.

I'm there with ya. I'm definitely going to do it natural. I know I'm a damn tough broad, and I can do it ifr anyone can! I'm one of seven children all born naturally from the same mother. Of course she went through a lot of pain with us. Of course the seven episiotomies she's had make her cringe when she thinks back on them. She did it all without epidurals, though. She definitely wasn't against getting gorped out, afterward, but at least she felt and experienced the actual labor.

Now, my mother was not into any cam, which I definitely am. I am researching water births and might be moving to an amazing area, soon, that actually offers water birthing in their hospitals. Colorado is much more progressive than South Carolina. I can't wait! I've heard that water birthing is THE way to do a natural, drug free birth. I've watched videos of women delivering their babies completely unassisted in water birth! Amazing. I won't be going that far, but I do want to be allowed to explore complementary and alternative services for my labor and delivery.

If you live somewhere that allows waterbirth, do look into it. I know where I'm moving, near Boulder Colorado, is going to be a great place for such a choice. =)

Don't be scared. This is my first child, too, but I'm expecting the pain. I don't want it dulled so that I can't fully experience my baby's arrival. Your body naturally exudes temporary painkillers when and where you need it. I am just going to try to keep myself fit and healthy s that there are no complications in my birth and I can choose the delivery style I feel is best. I'm so excited about labor. I'm not scared because I've accepted I will be in pain. I hear that by the point it feels unbearable it's about to be over, anyway!

{sigh}I can't wait to bring my little one out to be loved in this world.

In my sister's childbirth class, the instructor warned them that about 85 percent of women who plan a natural childbirth change their minds last minute :) I don't know what the sampling was like for this statistic, but I believe it. I know more than a few who were adamant about going natural, but got an epidural when the reality of the pain set in after 7 hours of laboring.

I've looked into this a lot for myself over the last month or so, and it seems to me that this is a decision that can only be made halfway before you are in actual labor. You just can't know what it's going to feel like, thus why people say to keep an open mind. If you think you'd like to go natural, prepare all you can for that, but don't beat yourself up if you find it's just too much without the medicine. You should also talk to your doctor/midwife about alternative pain relief if you don't want to be 'numb' with the epidural. There are options that will give you more freedom of movement and sensation.

Best of luck in making your choice, and I hope that the pain is manageable enough for you to go med-free if that is what you want!! Ultimately, it's about you and your baby!

In my sister's childbirth class, the instructor warned them that about 85 percent of women who plan a natural childbirth change their minds last minute :) I don't know what the sampling was like for this statistic, but I believe it. I know more than a few who were adamant about going natural, but got an epidural when the reality of the pain set in after 7 hours of laboring.

I've looked into this a lot for myself over the last month or so, and it seems to me that this is a decision that can only be made halfway before you are in actual labor. You just can't know what it's going to feel like, thus why people say to keep an open mind. If you think you'd like to go natural, prepare all you can for that, but don't beat yourself up if you find it's just too much without the medicine. You should also talk to your doctor/midwife about alternative pain relief if you don't want to be 'numb' with the epidural. There are options that will give you more freedom of movement and sensation.

Best of luck in making your choice, and I hope that the pain is manageable enough for you to go med-free if that is what you want!! Ultimately, it's about you and your baby!

1st-I'm with you on the epidural thing. The shot and all getting it set up was terrifying to me (i'm not a fan of needles) and the numbness down my legs made me even more uncomfortable than the contractions did.2-I had pitocin (son was post-mature) and that stuff is h***. If you need it-get the epidural, pitocin contractions are about 100 times worse than the natural ones.3-ask your Dr. what options you have. I asked mine at my last appointment (big concern after what happened with my son, I want to be prepared) and at my hospital my only other option is a tranqulizer-but I have read about many other things and your Dr/hospital might have more options.Last I would say just to be prepared for anything, things never seem to go as planned. Good luck figuring all this out, I know its overwhelming sometimes, oh, and be proactive-let your Dr know your wants.

1st-I'm with you on the epidural thing. The shot and all getting it set up was terrifying to me (i'm not a fan of needles) and the numbness down my legs made me even more uncomfortable than the contractions did.2-I had pitocin (son was post-mature) and that stuff is h***. If you need it-get the epidural, pitocin contractions are about 100 times worse than the natural ones.3-ask your Dr. what options you have. I asked mine at my last appointment (big concern after what happened with my son, I want to be prepared) and at my hospital my only other option is a tranqulizer-but I have read about many other things and your Dr/hospital might have more options.Last I would say just to be prepared for anything, things never seem to go as planned. Good luck figuring all this out, I know its overwhelming sometimes, oh, and be proactive-let your Dr know your wants.

I did it all naturally tge first time. I was given the option of laughing gas or even morphine but I didn't take it. I'm hopefully going to be able to do it that way again. It was rough at times but it changed me in ways that I can't even describe. Good luck with whatever you choose!

I did it all naturally tge first time. I was given the option of laughing gas or even morphine but I didn't take it. I'm hopefully going to be able to do it that way again. It was rough at times but it changed me in ways that I can't even describe. Good luck with whatever you choose!

I had planned on having a natural birth with my DD but knew going into it that anything can happen and I had an open mind. It was lucky for me that I had that mentality because I ended up needing a C-section (although I felt as though it could have been avoided or at least delayed to give me more time to try, I was too timid to speak up for myself). This time I have a midwife instead of a dr. and I am again going to try for a natural childbirth. The contractions I had with DD were intense, but manageable to me. I believe that I will be able to have a successful non medicated VBAC as long as nothing goes horrendously wrong...but again, I know that things don't always go the way we plan and I'm OK with that.

I had planned on having a natural birth with my DD but knew going into it that anything can happen and I had an open mind. It was lucky for me that I had that mentality because I ended up needing a C-section (although I felt as though it could have been avoided or at least delayed to give me more time to try, I was too timid to speak up for myself). This time I have a midwife instead of a dr. and I am again going to try for a natural childbirth. The contractions I had with DD were intense, but manageable to me. I believe that I will be able to have a successful non medicated VBAC as long as nothing goes horrendously wrong...but again, I know that things don't always go the way we plan and I'm OK with that.

Mommy to Madison (4) and Paige (1) and another on the way (10/01/2012)!

From:
Terynnn

To: Ebaugh0721

Posted: Aug-10 04:32 PM (15 of 18)

Hey! I definitely believe in 'whatever you decide' kind of plan. Lol. When I had my oldest son, I just knew I was going to do it 'au natural'. My Mom looked at me like I was crazy when I announced that at my Lamaze class. However, when I was in labor for 10 hours and was 8 1/2 cm dialated, all of the 'au natural' went out the door. I was screaming for the Anesthisiologist to burst through the doors. Needless to say, I was much more 'comfy'. Lol. So, when I had my second son, I had an epidural BEFORE I started having hard contractions. Natural birth was NOT for ME! Ideally, having a non-med birth is what everybody would like, but it doesn't always fit into your 'at the moment' pain. I am going into this KNOWING I would like an epidural, but will decide what's best in my labor. Hubby doesn't really like the idea, but he's not having this baby, either!

I say, do what YOU feel is right. Either way, it is NOT a wrong decision. Good luck! I'm a pansy!!

Hey! I definitely believe in 'whatever you decide' kind of plan. Lol. When I had my oldest son, I just knew I was going to do it 'au natural'. My Mom looked at me like I was crazy when I announced that at my Lamaze class. However, when I was in labor for 10 hours and was 8 1/2 cm dialated, all of the 'au natural' went out the door. I was screaming for the Anesthisiologist to burst through the doors. Needless to say, I was much more 'comfy'. Lol. So, when I had my second son, I had an epidural BEFORE I started having hard contractions. Natural birth was NOT for ME! Ideally, having a non-med birth is what everybody would like, but it doesn't always fit into your 'at the moment' pain. I am going into this KNOWING I would like an epidural, but will decide what's best in my labor. Hubby doesn't really like the idea, but he's not having this baby, either!

I say, do what YOU feel is right. Either way, it is NOT a wrong decision. Good luck! I'm a pansy!!

I was all for natural childbirth until I had a nightmare experience at the hospital and I wanted it to end so I had an epidural. After that it was all calm sailing and we had a pleasant quiet relaxed birth :) be flexible about it and do what feels right at the time.

I was all for natural childbirth until I had a nightmare experience at the hospital and I wanted it to end so I had an epidural. After that it was all calm sailing and we had a pleasant quiet relaxed birth :) be flexible about it and do what feels right at the time.

I had an epidural with my first and I plan on having another one. I was able to enjoy the time leading up to hard labor and believe me by the time you are ready to push they have let up on the meds and you are not numb. You will still have pressure and pain it is just not as intense. You need to do what is right for you. Good luck with your decision!

I had an epidural with my first and I plan on having another one. I was able to enjoy the time leading up to hard labor and believe me by the time you are ready to push they have let up on the meds and you are not numb. You will still have pressure and pain it is just not as intense. You need to do what is right for you. Good luck with your decision!

When I had my DD I actually had a voluntary c-section because of complications with her. I ewas only given an epidural, and it was not painful at all to get, and worked wonderfully. With this second one, my OB, DH, and I decided that a repeat c-section would be best, since I am due at the end of Jan when blizzards are rampant in ND, and we live an 80 mi (about an hour and half) from the hospital. I will def request another epidural in leiu of another form of anestheisa. What is right for everyone is different, and you just need to remember that you are not any less of a good mom if you get an epidural, another form of medicated pain management, or if you end up needing to get a c-section. Good luck to you on your choice, and talk to your OB about your concerns - most will work with you to come up with a successful birth plan.

When I had my DD I actually had a voluntary c-section because of complications with her. I ewas only given an epidural, and it was not painful at all to get, and worked wonderfully. With this second one, my OB, DH, and I decided that a repeat c-section would be best, since I am due at the end of Jan when blizzards are rampant in ND, and we live an 80 mi (about an hour and half) from the hospital. I will def request another epidural in leiu of another form of anestheisa. What is right for everyone is different, and you just need to remember that you are not any less of a good mom if you get an epidural, another form of medicated pain management, or if you end up needing to get a c-section. Good luck to you on your choice, and talk to your OB about your concerns - most will work with you to come up with a successful birth plan.

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